CT HB05257

Dog owners and keepers are jointly and severally liable for damages caused by their dogs to a person's body or property, except when the injured party was trespassing, committing a tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.

Companion animals are included in the definition of property, and damage amounts include veterinary care expenses, fair monetary value, training expenses for guide and assistance dogs, and burial expenses.

Minors under seven years of age are presumed not to have been teasing or abusing a dog when injured, shifting the burden of proof to the defendant.

Household members of law enforcement officers are presumed not to be keepers of agency-assigned dogs, with the burden of proof on the plaintiff to establish keeper status and exclusive control.

Dog owners and keepers must restrain dogs on a leash near service animals in public, and violations resulting in service animal injury trigger joint and several liability including veterinary care, rehabilitation, replacement costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.